Community outreach

Jessica kept busy through the Winter months, travelling far and wide to connect with communities across Aotearoa. She completed another roadshow, made time for regular community events, and maintained her already packed schedule - all to make sure that consumers across the country are aware of our services.

Below are some of the major moments from Jessica’s second quarter of 2023. We can’t possibly fit all her work from the last few months, so for more information please check the UDL Facebook – we post regularly about what she’s got coming up.

Roadshow and Owae Marae

After the success of our first roadshow, Jessica returned to Hamilton, Rotorua, and New Plymouth for another visit!

Over the course of one week, Jessica traveled across Northern Aotearoa, meeting with consumer groups and hosting presentations. It was great to strengthen the connection with the consumers we met on our previous visit in June, while also building new connections with new kiwis. We're looking forward to our next visit in November, and to potentially adding new cities to our network going forward!

She also made one special stop along the roadshow last Friday, visiting Owae Marae in Waitara to celebrate the signing of Te Ruruku Pūtakerongo - a collective redress package deal that will see Taranaki Maunga gain personhood as Te Kāhui Tupua, and a co-governance framework applied in management of the national park now known as Te Papakura o Taranaki. A significant day for Aotearoa, that recognises the claim of Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, after a lengthy settlement process.

Women's World Cup

Earlier in the year, Jessica was selected as a FIFA Community Champion for her excellent community work in Mangere - one of only 150 chosen across Australia and New Zealand. And her involvement in the Women's World Cup didn't end there! The African Communities Forum Inc, who she regularly works with through her position at UDL, asked her to represent them as a cultural ambassador at Eden Park for Zambia vs Spain. 

The invitation is reflective of her amazing mahi in the local community.

Community Days

Jessica has been getting amongst it at local community days over the last few months. Her first was in Manukau for a community Hauora Day, which gathered social services that could provide support to those with health issues. Jessica attended to provide advice to anyone medically dependent on electricity or gas, and ensure they are aware of our services should they encounter any problems with their energy provider.

This event was followed by a Youth Day in Papakura and a Community Expo in Mangere, both bringing the local community together and giving Jessica the opportunity to discuss our services with consumers. 

Bits and Pieces

As always, Jessica has been amongst it at all manner of open days, community markets, social service provider events, and everything in between! Jessica is a constant presence throughout the Auckland region, getting amongst the community and spreading knowledge about UDL’s services. She also attends hui’s this quarter with local organisations, as well as meeting with locally based energy companies.

For more information about Jessica’s plans, check the UDL Facebook – we try and post weekly about what she’s doing and how you can get involved!

Another busy one for Jessica, as several major events dominated the last three months. The biggest was UDL’s first roadshow, taking Jessica out of Auckland and across northern Aotearoa. We’re incredibly excited to be connecting with new consumers and can’t wait for the next one!

Below are some of the major moments from Jessica’s second quarter of 2023. We can’t possibly fit all her work from the last few months, so for more information please check the UDL Facebook – we post regularly about what she’s got coming up.

Roadshow

The event commenced in Hamilton presenting for local community groups, discussing our services, and letting them know how we can help. Jessica, joined by UDL Early Resolution Conciliator Willow, brought a presentation for attendees to let them know exactly how we sort complaints. They also took the opportunity to meet with local community groups while in Hamilton, and stopped by the Genesis HQ to meet the team. From there back on the road to New Plymouth.

Time in New Plymouth coincided with the Are Ake Reducing Energy Hardship Conference. Jessica joined our Deputy Commissioner Neil Mallon and Māori Cultural Advisor Selwyn at that key conference that brought together experts from far and wide to discuss the impacts of energy hardship and propose solutions. It was a great opportunity for UDL to learn more about the difficulties of consumers and engage with the innovative solutions being proposed. When Jessica wasn't at the 2-day event , she made sure to find time to visit local community groups and let them know how UDL can support their members.

The next stage of the roadshow became complicated. With fog and other disruptions to flights, the planned event had to be cancelled as Jessica’s support – UDL Conciliator Caitlin – unable to fly into Rotorua. Not to be dissuaded, Jessica found time to meet other community organisations along the route - particularly during a long wait while UDL’s EV was charged. Caitlin managed to meet with Jessica in Auckland to conclude the trip, the two attending a milestone ACOFI event on Saturday. They operated a booth at the busy event, connecting with new consumers and teaching them about UDL’s processes.

Power at the Park

This Eden Park event brought together community organisations from across Aotearoa. The event, hosted by Permobil, was a chance for people to learn more about the many groups that can support them during difficult times. UDL was thankful to host a booth at the event and connect with those in attendance, particularly the vulnerable consumers.

Events like these are crucial to connect with new consumers and discuss and learn more about the communities that we support. We’re thankful to all those that attended.

Bits and Pieces

As always, Jessica has been amongst it at all manner of open days, community markets, social service provider events, and everything in between! Jessica is a constant presence throughout the Auckland region, getting amongst the community and spreading knowledge about UDL’s services. She also attends hui’s this quarter with local organisations, as well as meeting with locally based energy companies.

For more information about Jessica’s plans, check the UDL Facebook – we try and post weekly about what she’s doing and how you can get involved!

It was a busy quarter one for Jessica. The severe weather throughout Auckland saw many local communities fractured and struggling with utility issues. Not to be discouraged, Jessica has done an amazing job connecting with vulnerable consumers and directing those in need to UDL.

Below are some of the major moments from Jessica’s first quarter of 2023. We can’t possibly fit all her work from the last few months, so for more information please check the UDL Facebook – we post regularly about what she’s got coming up.

Civil Defence

In February, Cyclone Gabrielle struck Auckland.

Jessica was asked to support the opening of a Civil Defence Centre due to her strong local community connections. Her role was to gather volunteers to help with the opening of the centre. When she arrived on 13 February, she quickly realised that a miscommunication had occurred somewhere along the way. She wasn't just there to lend a hand... she was leading the entire CDC. This included the sourcing and distribution of hot meals, the collecting of donations, and the operation of accommodation for those without homes during the cyclone. She was responsible, with others, for operating the entire defence centre in coordination with the national relief effort.

She rose to the occasion and led a diverse group – including council staff, soldiers, and occasionally MP’s, to operate the centre for nine days before its eventual closure. A host of other social service providers were also present, sharing ways that their organisations could support those impacted by the cyclone. Over this period she was in constant contact with the local council and the cyclone relief leadership, and was ultimately commended by the Howick Local Board for her efforts in supporting the community throughout the disaster. 

This particular story is available in more detail on our website under ‘Enews, media releases, & updates’, by accessing our most recent newsletter.

Community Champion

Jessica was recognised for her community work this year with an invitation to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Community Champions Induction event. The event celebrated those supporting their local communities, bringing community leaders and social service providers together at Eden Park in April. Jessica was selected for the event after being nominated by members of the Mangere community, in recognition of her incredible work in the area.

Roughly 150 champions were celebrated over Australia and New Zealand, and we’re proud to see Jessica amongst the selections.

Bits and Pieces

Jessica has also been amongst it at all manner of open days, community markets, social service provider events, and everything in between! Jessica is a constant presence throughout the Auckland region, getting amongst the community and spreading knowledge about UDL’s services. She also attended hui’s this quarter with local organisations such as Diamonds in the Rough, Dress for Success, and Community Law Mangere, as well as meeting with locally based energy companies.

For more information about Jessica’s plans, check the UDL Facebook – we try and post weekly about what she’s doing and how you can get involved!